TESTIMONIALS

"The iSisters program offers women who are struggling with homelessness and unemployment a chance to dream."

Sue Garvey, Executive Director, Cornerstone

"I am taking the iSisters level 3 computer course and have found it very, very useful.  It has opened many, many locked doors in front of me. I have a new job.  They gave me the job because of my computer skills. I feel very lucky to come to all these courses. I’m still coming to the level 3 class directly after finishing my night shift and without having any sleep because I don’t want to miss any minute of the class".

Sarah, iSisters student

"The purpose of this letter is to tell everybody how the computer course has helped me in achieving my goals. Right now I am taking a Masters course at Ottawa University where I need computer skills. When I started level I last July, I did not know the names of the components of the computer. Now I am using almost all the software. I am fluent in Microsoft Office, using Excel for graphs and formulas and more"

Yaquelin, iSisters student

"With your teaching expertise, onsite learning classes for Inuit women were set up in this new Employment Learning Centre. At the same time, iSisters offered training to the instructor so these classes would be offered to all Inuit in the community. Together we built a sustainable model that offers ICT classes and a supervised learning centre.”

Mary Hands, Employment Counsellor, Tungasuvvingat Inuit

“The iSisters partnership is offering a window of opportunity to facilitate hi-tech skills while nurturing self-esteem and building confidence in students and teachers alike.”

Teaching staff at Youville

"Cornerstone offers a variety of programs and services that we hope one day will enable women to move out of the shelter with a tool box full of skills.  One of these programs is the computer classes run by iSisters.  One of the first students I helped recruit for the iSisters program was Kathleen. Kathleen was nervous and had that look on her face that said “I can’t do this” but she went in.  By the break, she said “it’s okay” At the end of the class she said “it’s already over?” For the next three weeks, Kathleen showed up excited for every class.  At the end of the four weeks; graduation day, she said she wished there was more time.  When she accepted her diploma, the tears were running down her face.  iSisters teacher; Zahide comes into the shelter every week armed with enthusiasm.  She is kind and has demonstrated the utmost empathy and patience.  Cornerstone’s experience is that our best programs are partnerships. Partnerships with other agencies, with volunteers, and especially with women who still hope that life can be better. The partnership with iSisters is one of the ones we are most proud of". 

Transition Worker, Cornerstone

I am a computer student in the iSisters course taught by Zahide.  I find the course extremely helpful.  Zahide explains the material step by step.   It is very helpful as the skills are very much needed in a lot of employment areas.  I have also noticed what a difference the course has made in the lives of so many of the other students in the class.  The other students, like me are building their self-confidence and learning takes place in a non-stressful environment.  It is so pleasant to have such a warm person teaching us!  

Charmaine, iSisters Graduate

“As a result of our partnership with iSisters, Youville Centre has been able to integrate technology into the curriculum and provide our young mothers with computer opportunities to enhance their future studies and careers. Most importantly, the program introduced by iSisters will be fully sustainable by Youville staff once iSisters leaves to assist other women in other locations. How fortunate we have been!

Judith Sarginson, Executive Director, Youville Centre

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